For Immediate Release March 22, 2007 |
Contact: Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486 |
78-YEAR-OLD MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTING TO MURDER WIFE BY HITTING HER OVER THE HEAD
WITH AN AX WHILE SHE WAS PRAYING
WESTMINSTER – A senior citizen was charged with attempted murder, torture, corporal injury upon a spouse, and aggravated assault with sentencing enhancements regarding the victim’s age, premeditation and deliberation, and infliction of great bodily injury. Abdel Herbawi, 78, Fountain Valley, faces life in prison if convicted of all charges and enhancements. The defendant is being held on $1 million in bail and is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, Friday, March 23, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. in Department W-14, West Justice Center, Westminster.
Herbawi is married to Jane Doe, 68. He is accused of striking his wife on the head with an ax while she was sitting in a chair praying in their living room. He is accused of pushing her to the ground and causing multiple stab wounds and cuts, severing her finger and fracturing her skull. Jane Doe was able to escape to a neighbor’s house for help.
Deputy District Attorney Dawn Vargas of the Family Protection Unit is prosecuting this case.
###